Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967)

Monarch (Danaus plexippus)

Description: Wingspan 3 1/2–4” (88–100 mm).

Wings brownish orange; black to dark brown on margins with 2 rows of orange and/or white spots and veins outline in black. Each hind wing of male has a black scent pocket. Head and body black with white spots.

Caterpillar, to 2 ¾” (70 mm), is black with white and yellow bands and has a pair of flexible black filaments on its thorax and next-to-last abdominal segment.

Habitat: Meadows, roadsides, and sandy areas wherever milkweeds grow.

Food: Caterpillar feeds on milkweed foliage, flower buds, and milky juice.

Monarchs are capable of flying 2,000 miles from Canada to Mexico and back again to the southern United States. Millions migrate every autumn, often stopping in the same rest spots each year. Some even fly as far as Hawaii and eastern Australia. In early spring and summer, returning females travel north in relays, new generations replacing old, laying their eggs along the way. The fully grown caterpillar changes to a barrel-shaped, leaf-green chrysalis studded with gold dots, then shows the colors of the developing butterfly inside. The change from egg to butterfly takes about 4 weeks. There are many generations a year.